I'm not sure why some reviewers are so tough on Joelle. She is a hard working entrepreneur, offering a hand selected high end product. She doesn't want people grabbing and ruining her clothes. It's not like some chain store where she can send damaged goods back to corporate. I strolled in a few weeks ago, for the first time, looking for a dress to wear to a wedding. Joelle was all over me, in a good way. She seemed to have a blast pulling dresses that she thought would fit my body well. She was very complimentary when dresses fit nicely and she was straightforward (but never rude) when she thought I could do better. She loves the clothes in her store and sees them as wearable art. If I'm going to spend my money on something like a cocktail dress, I do appreciate a tailored and personalized experience. I felt that Joelle genuinely wanted me to walk out of her store happy and return again. Which I will. read more

This is an awesome shop! The selections are beautiful, colorful and high quality! It is not easy on the pockets. I love this store!

I was in Alexandria for a wedding and had quickly under packed for the trip. I was in a rush so I called ahead to find a shop that had the my style to save time and not browse. Alex pulled some pieces for me based on designers I tend to wear. I was so relieved to find someone who gets it and didn't try to put me into something frumpy or too conservative. I found 2 outfits that are going to be new favorites. Thank you!! read more

I happen to stumble across this store and so happy I did!!! I picked up my favorite swimsuit from here, the fit is so flattering. I will say most of the clothes I purchased fit really well. Alex, the shop owner was super sweet and helpful with a great eye. She picked out most of the stuff I took home. I'll be stopping by again when I'm in the town!! read more

Don't go in!!! The old woman who owns the store locked my mom and I inside and wouldn't let us touch anything because we're American. She wouldn't even let us browse the clothing, she insisted on showing us each dress one by one and stuck them around my neck, still on the hanger. After about 30 minutes and a weird speech about how filthy Americans are, we made up an excuse to leave. I don't want anyone else to make the mistake of going in. read more

There's an old lady who works here and she's absolutely nuts. Told me that I was not allowed to touch the clothing, only look by holding up the the hangers. She then proceeded to tell me that each item needed to be an inch away from each other on the rack so I couldn't slide any items over see the next item...she said we don't have consigned items, all these items are new so you can't touch‍ I just looked and listened, dumbfounded and walked out laughing Update: after I wrote my review, I realized there were others mentioning this crazy lady in the shop!!! AVOID at ALL cost!!!!! read more

If I could give negative stars, I would give this poor-excuse-of-a retail business five negative stars. First, there is a sign on the door which reads, that for security reasons, you have to knock to enter. A friend of mine and I followed the instructions, and upon opening the door and stepping two feet in, the onslaught of insults began. The owner clearly made a judgment about us based on where we previously shopped (we were holding shopping bags from a consignment store) and the way we were dressed (casually), and proceeded to tell us why we are not her ideal customer. She emphasized that she was a "high-end" clothing store. Apparently, to shop properly, you cannot touch the clothing. I made the mistake of touching a skirt and she insulted me by saying to my friend "see, see how she shops", and that she was going to "teach me how to shop" and "educate" me. (Honestly, the store looked like a hoarder's closet of someone's sad memories). She spoke about how customers in Old town Alexandria are unworthy of coming into her store as most are patrons of consignment shops. Need I say more? We turned on our heels in her mid rant. Perhaps the name of the store indicates the misfit of this business- An American in Paris has a delusion about its bourgeoise status when all that is visible is its bankrupt character. Good job. read more

This place is straight up fraudulent and the owner's mark up of the clothes' prices is reprehensible. I saw this lovely skirt by Cistar, priced at $395. It actually retails on the designer's website for $68. I don't need to repeat any of the nonsense from the dozens of other reviewers on her rules and incessant talking. Stay away from this store. read more

An American In Paris - Women's Clothing Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

My heart goes out to anyone who innocently walks into this store to browse like my girlfriend and I did this weekend. We got the same confusing speech as everyone else, were told that we had nice legs - but "not in a gay way" even though "god loves the gays." We we're trapped and eventually I just walked out while she rambled on about how poor American healthcare is. Why has no one mentioned the smell? It smells like my great aunts house in there. We left BAFFLED by the experience. Absolutely no idea how this place is still open if no one is allowed to shop. read more

A cursory glance at the Yelp reviews for this boutique would have adequately prepared me for what was in store for me on my recent visit to this shop, but I was there on a whim and so I got the unfiltered experience. I wanted to check out some of the dresses I saw in the window, so I dragged my friend inside to get a closer look. I reached for one of the dresses that caught my eye and before my hands could make contact, the owner swooped the dress out of arms reach like Dikembe Mutombo in a Geico commercial. Clearly I was out of bounds here. The owner asked us not to touch the clothing and instead offered to pull some dresses to show us. She locked the door so that she could give my friend and me her undivided attention. She walked us around the shop showing us dresses and describing how exquisite the dresses were. I saw other ladies attempt to enter the shop, but they were rebuffed by the owner who evidently prefers to have only a couple of customers in the shop at a time. Not being able to touch the dresses definitely took the fun out of the experience. Furthermore, the owner's lecture on the clothes made me feel like I was at a gallery admiring some dresses worn by famous people rather than selecting outfits for my own wardrobe. I prefer to touch and feel the clothes I'm interested in buying and shop at my own pace without someone following me around a store, so this boutique was not my cup of tea. read more

I went to this store yesterday, it was such an uncomfortable experience. The owner was very rude. She kept telling me how I wouldn't appreciate the clothing because my parents probably buy all of my clothes for me. I told her I'm 19 and have had a job since 16 and I buy all my clothes. And then she showed me a lot of dresses and told me I could never wear them because I'm not professional and don't have the fisique for it. I would like to add this lady was wearing leggings and flip flops. She basically shoved me out the door and told me to try HM down the street. Honestly she was the rudest person. I would not recommend going to this store. read more

WTF!!!!Just like everyone else's experience, we walked in and got the traditional lecture from the "French" shop owner. Two of the three of us walked out and stranded our poor friend in there only to be tortured with five more minutes of lecture and insults. She was wearing tethered dirty clothes and showed us how to touch hangers and put things back on the shelf as she aggressively squeeze the bottle bottom of every item of clothing clothing she touched. Not to mention her 80's ads on the wall that were weathered and curling up at the corners. We learned that a common mistake than Americans make is that we say that we want to feel the product when the correct language is that you need to touch the product. Something crazy like that I may have it backwards. She proceeded to grab all of these dresses by the bottom of the skirt and was squeezing them like violently squeezing them showing us how to touch the product. We then read the yelp reviews the next day at lunch and couldn't stop laughing. So the next day I found a red beret in the other consignment store and wanted to run in and touch all of her merch but had to make a meeting. We will be back to run in and touch every precious item in her bat shit crazy store. read more

An American In Paris - Women's Clothing Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Sitting in a room FULL of textile experts from across USA - AFFOA members... I SMH further on what is driving the owner, who should know textile s and fabrics, to hold to the right of "Attila the Hun" rules... With disrespect for the flow and safety of the room she works in? Beg her to reconsider her approach. Her philosophy of textiles is malarkey! Over 300 high fashion designers, consumer reps and textile experts in one room! NONE support the extreme policies... Some in fact... Mortified! read more

An American In Paris - Over 300 designers and textile experts!!! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I was super scared after reading the other reviews, but I had no reason to be. The door was not locked - it was open, letting some air into the store. The store is small - I definitely don't want to be in there with 20 other customers. We were the only ones in the shop. The clothes and accessories are beautiful - I completely understand the no-touching rule. Joelle was more than happy to speak with us - she immediately welcomed us and showed us different pieces, as well as giving us info on the designers. She was truly passionate about her products. While neither my friend nor I were looking for higher-end clothes today, when I am, I will definitely be back to see Joelle. read more

Had a very strange time at this shop. A few girlfriends and I decided to step in, as I thought it was a thrift store. The owner, Joelle, was very excited to see us, and rushed over and immediately went off on her spiel about not touching the clothes. I'm a person who can be very tolerant, and I mostly felt bemused the entire time. I could tell my friends wanted to leave, and I wanted to as well, but I felt it would be impolite so we ended up staying. She spoke AT us for like 25 minutes (she did show us some really lovely clothing items) and we could hardly get a word in. We managed to leave after a well-dressed middle-aged woman came into the store, and Joelle immediately went over to her. We slipped out very very quickly at that moment, and my friends and I walked away as fast as our legs could take us. I had not noticed, but she did in fact close the store for us (which really freaked my friend out) which I think could be a helpful tactic to make sales, but she was very overbearing, made remarks about the race of one of the girls I was with, and overall gave us an unpleasant experience. Definitely a good story to tell friends, but not worth wasting half an hour at this store. read more

Do not go in here! I've searched online for some of the items in the store, and the owner jacks up the prices of clothes 4x!!! You will not be able to find anything below 250, even for a basic button up. The owner justifies the prices by saying that people need to invest more in quality clothes/own less, and I agree with that sentiment. However, no one needs to pay 4x the original price to live the minimalist lifestyle and have a quality closet. Just buy good quality clothes from ethical brands, and buy only what you need. read more

I love this store -- so chic! The owner Alex is super funny and was so helpful that I felt compelled to write a review. It's so hard to find brick and mortar retailers where you can actually find something unique, and even more rare to find warm and knowledgable staff. I'm surprised to see all the negative comments tbh, it's as if these people are describing a different store? Will definitely be a store I frequent when in the area. read more

I was casually walking in Oldtown and stumbled across this shop. It's a hidden gem! The owner, Alex, really helped me find the perfect dress for an upcoming event. She picked out pieces that I never in a million years thought would work for my body type but somehow were perfect. She has quite an eye. After spending a while in the store, the owner shared with me her plans for custom and inclusive sized staple items this upcoming fall. I have a hard time with fit so can't wait to head back there to see what she comes up with. read more

The dress in the storefront was beautiful... but totally not worth the lecture you have to endure from the owner. We read the sign on the front door about knocking to get in - weird but okay. We read the sign on the clothes rack about not grabbing the clothes and to take it out by the hanger - fair enough We listened to the owner verbally repeat everything we already read on the sign. Then she started into a history of the store and the reason she was able to stay in business for so long was because she didn't have to pay for damaged goods since people weren't allowed to touch the clothes. She started to pull out different dresses to show us - my friend thought it was sweet that the owner loved her clothes so much. I thought ok, maybe she's doing the personal shopper thing but I'd really prefer to browse through stuff on my own. I mean "gently hold each garment out by the hanger without ever touching the material" on my own time. I wasn't sure if she was pulling out items to show us because she actually didn't want us to touch anything. I slowly backed away from the owner (who we will call crazy lady from now on) as my friends were left at her mercy. Then crazy lady started into a tirade about how she hated tourists, how they come through her store with no intention to buy anything and totally waste her time. Umm... you do know when you choose a location in a touristy area, you tend to get some tourists right? Crazy lady then asked us if we were from the area, we said one of us lived here while the other two were visiting. Then my friend made the mistake of joking about how she's 6 months pregnant and probably wouldn't be able to get anything for awhile. This elicited a icy death stare from the owner who then repeated how she hated how people waste her time. We quickly left. First of all, I'm a BR-sale shopper kind of gal but have definitely been known to drop money on something nice. And just because I'm from out of town doesn't mean I'm not going to buy anything. I've made some of my more ridiculous purchases as a result of vacation-euphoria. Second, just because somebody doesn't buy on their 1st visit doesn't make them a worthless customer. Maybe I'm not in the mood for a $300 dress now but if I needed something nice for a holiday party, I would have considered coming back. Third, you do realize babies come out eventually, right? You just lost a potential customer who lives in the area and any good word of mouth. Besides how can you be mean to a pregnant woman?!?! Unfortunately I disagree with Carrie, I would say that the signs and policy wasn't necessarily rude... but the tirades about tourists and people who waste her time are. There's a way to maintain your clothes without being so offensive. I'd feel more comfortable at Gucci with the security guard following me around then I do at this place. There's a moral to this story somewhere in here... I'm just not sure where yet. read more

I knocked on the door. I waited. I saw the owner. I assumed she just hadn't heard me. I knocked again. I got rudely waved at to wait. For some reason, I waited. I was finally honored by being able to enter "the museum". The owner continued her conversation with a costumer. Another person knocked at the door. Boyf tried to let them in and was glared at. We received "the speech." I was so fed up I wanted to walk out mid-speech but the door was locked and others were being forced to listen to "the speech" in my way. I browsed as instructed. I walked into a hidden corner and man-handled the clothing. I left angered and eager to yelp. Nothing new to add, I just wanted to make sure this place gets the 1 star rating it deserves. In a place trying to sell extremely expensive clothing, customer service should be of the utmost importance (especially in an economy like this!) Pretty dresses, but not worth dealing with the crazy owner. read more

I don't even want to give American in Paris ANYstars; it's that bad. I would have to disagree with Tara T.'s comment about the store being unique. The dresses are from designers that can be found anywhere else in the area; the store offers no specialities and therefore has no competative advantage over others. The owners is an absolute nut and she's a straight up BITCH. If she doesn't want people to touch her clothes, she should put them in a glass case. As a clothing store owner one should know that customers, especially female ones, are going to want to touch the clothes they may want to try on. I would never go there again and won't advise others to either. read more

Eek! I was in this store over Labor Day weekend and despite a fair number of shoppers on King Street, it was curiously empty. Read some of the other reviews on here and you will understand why. If you actually get up the nerve to demand entrance from the snitty shop owner (she locks her doors for "safety" - I think it's just to keep out us dirty Gap shoppers), you will most certainly NOT escape the tirade about dirty fingers and fine cloth. No sorting through the racks here, folks. You touch only the hanger, and pull every dress out for inspection - or even better, let the sharp-eyed sales lady do it. I'd imagine that if you really want any kind of service here, go dressed to the nines, and of course be prepared to spend some money and smile sweetly at the witchy proprietress. Maybe don some pristine white gloves to ensure none of your filth wipes off on her merchandise. Whatever you do, DON'T make the mistake of walking in here with a Banana Republic shopping bag as I did - she'll mark you for a low-class shopper from the start. Ugh! I won't be back. Beautiful clothes, but not worth enduring the condescending attitude!! read more

I love this shop. The customer service is exceptional. They look after your needs individually. The selection is unique and unlike anything else in the neighbirhood,I love this shop. The customer service is exceptional. They look after your individual needs. The selection is unique and unlike anything else in the neighborhood. Great designer selection. The prices is are still on the higher end so not somewhere to peruse if you're looking for your average bargain. Prices usually fall above $200 but the pieces are absolutely worth it. Otherwise, you'd be better off going to uniqlo, zara etc - which they also have in the area. Definitely the spot if you're looking for something special and magical. read more

Nutjob!!!! Yep, the owner is looney tunes. She asks you to handle the clothes by the hangers, and not touch. I realize that a damaged garment=a lost sale, but come on. If you have to be buzzed in, and you're one of maybe two customers in there at any given time, you're probably not going to hurt anything. I went in once with a friend and got the normal lecture. The owner proceeded to point out that I had very nicely done nails and probably would do no harm, but then pointed out my friend's bitten nails and chipped paint and observed that she might be another story. Too funny. But she has some really great labels and unique finds. For the most part, it's out of my price range, but I respect that it has a very unique and beautiful selection of garments. While one reviewer says "truly interested visitors will find the owner serves not only as shop-keeper of beautiful dresses, but also fashion consultant and diva-extraordinaire. If this is not your style, then there is a Ross right down the street. :) Auf wiedersehen. But for the fashion-forward among you, bonjour to an American in Paris." I kind-of disagree. I have been to fine stores throughout the US and Europe and have NEVER been asked to handle things only by the hanger. That won't happen to you at a shop in Paris. They recognize that part of the appeal of an article of clothing is its fabric. I browse and lightly touch clothing to get an idea of the feel of the garment. It's important. I also think the space itself is really unwelcoming. It's crowded. She generally has one sample out and "more sizes in the back." There's too much to take in, especially since you aren't supposed to move things around on the rack. I just think that when I do decide to spend more on clothes, it's important to have an experience where I feel like a valued customer. When I spend a few hunded dollars on an item, I want you to be nice to me, not lecture me about nails and assume that maybe I'm not good enough for your shop because I happen to be somewhat dressed down on a given day. All in all, you may find nice pieces here, and you may even catch a sale. But I think that for the most part you can find them in other locations for less, or at the very least be treated as a valued customer rather than a potential garment-ruiner. read more

Ditto to just about every "Crazy Lady" comment made. I visited the store TWO years ago and got the lecture and then again this past weekend with a gal pal-- only because she wanted to-- and we both were verbally berated again. THEN, we went shopping on Route 1 south and found the EXACT same dresses at TJMAXX for $39.99! Let's just say that they were not 39.99 at this stuck up grouch's "boutique". Remember-- only by the hangars! read more

As we were walking around Alexandria I noticed a very pretty jacket in the store front. Didn't stop in at that time but decided to stop on our way back to the car. I was shocked to find the door locked but understood why when I read the sign on the door. So I knocked and saw the owner eating lunch behind the register. She saw us and slowly put her food down, wiped her mouth and stood up. I thought she was on her way to the door but when I peeked back in she was still messing around at the register and decided to knock again. She finally came in to the door and let us in: myself, my husband, and my mom. As soon as I walked in I saw a very pretty dress and as soon as I put my hand out to lightly touch it I got a very stern "no touching" from the owner. I was startled at the demand and quickly put my hand down like a 5 year old. I honestly was surprised she didn't hit the back of my hand! lol Anyways, moving on. The owner, Joelle, went on to talk about "welcoming you into the store" and how "we are not allowed to touch the clothing" blah blah blah. As soon as the condescending voice and lecture started I was ready to bolt. And surprisingly I didn't. We stayed for about 5 minutes listening to the incessant talk about how "inexpensive" the clothes are and how "everyone can afford to shop" at her store. Looking around I was able to see how incorrect she was. $395 for the jacket in the store front that I fell in love with? Or $395 for a dress? Um, I think not. She also started talking about getting styling advice from her when you shop at her store. She went on to talk about how she would dress a teacher. LMAO. With these prices a teacher would be insane to spend her paycheck here. Anyways, despite the really pretty things she had in the store I hated the whole concept. You have to be "welcomed" in and you can't touch anything! I mean, come on. Give your customers some credit. If someone is eating ice cream and about to touch an expensive piece of clothing then by all means, say "please don't touch." But I don't think the average customer is going to be groping their greasy grimy hands on the clothing. And also, what's with the locked door? I mean, am I shopping on Rodeo Drive? Because yes, some shops do that there but here in little old Alexandria? Puh-lease. How pretentious can you be? read more

The door was locked to the shop. After knocking on the door, the owner opened it. After a long rant of why she keeps the door locked (a mishap with a past customer), I was ready to leave. I didn't even care to look at the clothing after hearing the owner complaining for 5 minutes. I would recommend this owner move her innovatory to strictly online. read more

Before I review, let me establish my premises since this topic seems to be a bit controversial: 1) Joelle (the owner) is the only person I have ever seen working in this store. It is her baby, and she treats it as such. 2) For some of us city girls, locking a door on King St. at 2:00pm on a Saturday afternoon may seem over the top, but many high end shops that don't have security choose to do so to deter theft. 3) It is entirely acceptable to ask shoppers who just ate a bagel at Bruegger's and are most likely a bit sweaty from just having walked 10 blocks not to touch the garments. Some of these clothes are hanging for months before they are purchased - imagine how many people might touch them in that amount of time. The oil on your hands permeates the fabrics and can stain them. 4) Joelle is over the top, despises tourists and may not let you in if you're carrying a Gap bag. She's French and snotty, end of story. Perhaps she should have opened her store somewhere other than the touristiest street in NoVA. All that said, An American in Paris is truly a one of a kind boutique. Joelle carries dresses you won't find at Bloomingdale's or anywhere in Georgetown. The racks are well organized and well spaced to allow for easy, comfortable browsing. If you tell Joelle what you're looking for, she'll pull out three dresses for you to try on. If she doesn't have your size, she'll order it if she can. If you tell her you think you have broad shoulders, she'll find a dress to make them narrow. Most of her inventory consists of dresses and skirts - Black Halo, Nicole Miller, Camileon - but you'll also find a small, handpicked selection of tops, pants, shoes and bags. Her prices are reasonable considering the labels and quality of the dresses, but definitely pricey compared to shops in the area. Sometimes, believe it or not, she does have sales. This is the place to go if you're accustomed to shopping at places like Saks, or if you're looking for a really special dress. Happy shopping and watch those hands! read more

The first time I went into the store, I was given a lecture by the owner on how to touch and handle the clothing. Needless to say, this sent me right out the door. I shop very highend and dont need someone to tell me how to touch a garment.. The second and last time I went into the store I got the same drama as how to touch everything and let it slide because I wanted a few items she had in the window. Almost 1000 later the same owner who has lectured me twice on how I should touch her clothes, as to not ruin them with my grubby hands wraps my garments in rough butcher paper!!!!!!! I HAVE MONEY TO SPEND AND WILL NEVER SPEND IT AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. read more

After scrolling through these reviews, I am content in knowing that everyone who crosses this threshold has the same batshit experience, and we weren't singled out as targets for insanity. Picture it: Old Town, May, 90% humidity, *Mother's Day.* Just 2 ladies, my quasi-MIL here from Boston and I, strolling down King St buying things as we go, like you do after ditching the guys for Ladiez Be Shoppin day. Started in Georgetown, now we're here. Our experience was the same as everyone else's (locked door, bizarre rambling lecture about the store, passive-aggression and non-linear ranting on 10). The difference is that I personally did not understand WTF she was talking about or why, which my QMIL only explained later appeared to be related to me touching a tweed skirt, like one does, while shopping for clothes. In the 8ish mins we were in the shop, she discussed approximately 20 topics only loosely-related to her business, which I was actively ignoring until she snapped that I should "pay attention for just 5 mins." Her accent is clearly not French, so, uhh, certainly not a case of "French snobbery" (which, incidentally, I have never personally experienced, either in France or from French friends in other countries including this one). Both my QMIL and I have been to (and shopped in) Paris, my QMIL more times than I, and this lady's behavior is certainly unlike any either of us have experienced, in any level of clothier (high-end, couture, or mall-level alike) in any part of the world. I gather from the other reviews (because the owner's rant was mostly unintelligible) that she is contending that her products are unique in some way, precious, and thus cannot be touched because reasons? This is hilarious for numerous actual reasons, which have all been pointed out here, but I will summarize as: a) Nicole Miller and Diesel are not anyone's definition of "high end" fashion; b) nothing in this store is unique/different/couture/hard to find; c) does she even textile, bro? She didn't know that she had a textile expert in her shop before (shout out to you, dear heart Yelper!), that my grandmother was a seamstress, or that my QMIL and her sister knit and sell garments, all thus being well aware of textile/fiber types and how to handle them. We had literally just come from touching ALL THE PRODUCTS to our heart's content at Fibre Space, many antiques, the list goes on, without being chastised. Directly after NOPEING TF out of this shop, we were petting $17k handmade silk rugs like they were kittens down the block at Indus Imports, where the lovely owner not only encouraged us to manhandle every textile in his packed-to-the-brim shop of delicate handmade goods, my QMIL bought a gorgeous hand-dyed chiffon scarf that had a minor snag in it, which the owner repaired *by hand on the spot* while we browsed when she pointed it out (with fantastic workmanship, I might add). Minutes after this, we were ogling and touching literally every piece inside Lily Pulitzer (which I suspect the crazy owner of this boutique would describe as "fast fashion"), with our sweaty hands, while drinking mimosas that we managed to not splash on intricately-beaded dresses. We even (oh the horror!) tried clothes on our sweaty bodies *with the exuberant and helpful assistance of the staff* (who looked at our sweaty faces with their own sweaty faces and let it all happen)!!! Everyone we have recounted this experience to has reacted with the expected confused/shocked "W. T. F?!?!?! How is this still a business????" Clearly we all have the same questions, but no answers. Avoid this place at all costs unless you are doing research of some sort. read more

No MORE WIRE HANGARS! oh- and don't touch the fabric either. Yup, I got the lecture too! But, seriously- if you are browsing through silks- you do not want people leaving greasy finger stains. I get her point. Some incredibly beautiful goods here! WOW! It made me wish that I did not always blow my cash. But- Oh well. Many of the dresses seemed appropriate for a day at the polo fields or yacht races. Since I don't live that lifestyle, not for me. Found a pair of I- MUST-HAVE THESE- stiletto heels. My MUST have changed into a WELL- maybe, NAW- not really- when I looked at the price. Yes, they were cute, but, for 375$, I could buy part of one of the 6 new air conditioners or floors that I need for my house. I wish her luck! read more

I don't write reviews that often but I felt that some things should be addressed. I walked into the store to browse, I saw a cute dress and I touched the fabric of the dress. Right when I touched the fabric of the dress, she came aggressively towards me and had a 5-minute speech about how customers shouldn't touch the fabrics of the dresses. First of all, I'm an adult and I am not a child. Do not talk down to me. I have visited many higher-end designer shops and have been able to touch anything without being berated or talked down to. She went on another rant about diplomats and socialites stop by her shop to buy her dresses for events. Quite honestly, I doubt it. If you don't want customers touching your items, perhaps you should put them in see-through plastic garment bags. However, in this case, none of what she sells are haute-couture or of extremely high quality that would warrant the need for a garment bag. Calm yourself Joelle, you are not Givenchy, Lanvin, or Balmain. read more

Awful! We just walked in to look for a dress and the owner started berating us. She told us not to touch the dresses. We decided to leave and she continued to yell insults as we left and said it was fine we can leave it's a free country....we never even said a single word to her. If you don't want people touching your dresses just put them in bags like most high end stores. Save yourself the trouble of coming off so rude to so many people. read more

No one was in the store when I first walked in on a Tuesday afternoon. Without warning, the owner launched into a lecture about handling the clothes. For example, "three fingers" width between each hanger, and there are little instruction cards. I was very put off by this, but nevertheless browsed a little as she unlocked the door and began to lecture other customers coming into the store. In the time I was there, I saw Tibi, Diesel, and Nicole Miller. I'm sure the other items were lovely, but I wasn't feeling the "welcome". read more

First, the clothing is bee-yoo-tiful. Beautiful, pretty, unique, quality, stylish. And therein lies the reason for two stars instead of one. Second, and what alone justifies a one-star rating, based on my interactions and my interactions and experience alone, the owner is, er, unusual? Overbearing? (Let me be honest, I can come up with many, many less polite words to use, but I'm a little concerned about slandering her, ha!) Here's the thing, when I entered this store w/ my mother and during our visit, she was actually very, very nice to us. Through our lengthy conversation, I learned a lot about her background, life, family. On the surface, and lecturing aside, she wasn't a bit rude to us. But that's because, out of confusion and fear, we played along. Rule 1) don't touch the clothing. If you do, hold the bottom hem out with one hand and, with the other hand, hold the hanger; and, Rule 2) don't expect to be left alone to peruse the beautiful clothing. The owner keeps a close, protective eye on her customers. Oh, and did I mention that she stands within 12" of you, too? And that's a generous estimate . . . So, bummer! I would love to comfortably look around the store, try on a few pieces, enjoy the experience of shopping and chatting in a sweet boutique. But the owner made me so, so, SO uncomfortable. And I couldn't get out of there, because I couldn't wiggle out of the conversation (again, she was nice to me, but I couldn't find a polite way to get out of there. My bad). If you go, set your expectations based on my and the other reviews. She can be nice (play along! be kind! don't touch!) and, again, I think the clothing is gorgeous. But don't expect to shop freely. Plan on chumming up and being accompanied and watched as you look at the items. Another thing, people DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Clearly, she's not like most other shop owners; her idiosyncrasies have nothing to do with us. She's, er, different. Eccentric. Lacking in the tact department. Like me, try to laugh (but don't stay as long as I did, ugh!) and just find more beautiful clothing at another, better boutique that knows how to treat its clientele. read more

I went to this store to look for a dress for a wedding. It is beautiful and has great stuff...BUT They are overly priced and RUDE. yes, the mentioned to me that I couldn't touch the dresses and only the hangers as well! What does that mean? Why is that the case? Is their merchandise SO important that a consumer can't enjoy it? What if I want to know what the fabric will feel like on? Don't I have to touch the dress in order to try it on? I felt like the sales associates looked at me like I didn't belong in the store. My friends and I quickly left. Dorris L.'s review...right on. read more

Definitely a unique shopping experience, a good one nonetheless. The owner was very friendly and had no problem with me and my sister touching the clothes (just take them off by the hanger first and be gentle). I feel like I learned a lot about clothes and how to handle them well and also textiles. I know that some may be bothered by not being allowed to just browse but I do see her perspective of not wanting her pieces to be left with imperfections. She said to us that a chipped nail can end up like a razor blade on a dress and I agree! After looking around for a while I saw a tank I loved! She gave me multiple sizes to try on and even gave an amazing deal! From $195 all the way to only $49!! I feel like a princess in the top and she packaged it up fabulously. This was for sure the strangest shopping experience I have ever had but was enjoyable and I will likely return when I am in need of a nice dress. She did say some sorta weird things to us but I did disregard it all because nothing was rude or mean just a bit out there! read more

I absolutely adore this boutique, I just wish I could afford it. The prices are definitely out of range for an average day of shopping unless you live your life at Neiman Marcus, Barney's, or other high-end stores; then you're right at home. As for the experience, I would hardly call it "rude." Granted, when I pay a visit, Joelle (the owner) is the only one there and she is an absolute sweetheart. If you tell her what you're looking for, she pulls out something absolutely perfect. I must admit the first time I visited it was odd to buzz in and the signs about touching the garmets set me back, but when we were greeted she had a big smile on her face and asked if we'd ever been there before, explaining that when she first opened the store the garmets would get stained or ripped, and as it is not a large department store but a specialty store, losing a $150 dollar blouse is a fairly large setback. If you're in Old Town I believe you should at least give this store a chance. read more

First off, I would like to make it VERY CLEAR that this is NOT A vintage/consignment boutique. In fact its quite the opposite. This small Parisian boutique offers its customers intricate details on every NEW piece. Its a truely unique experience that you will NOT find anywhere else and pretty much for anyone that actually appreciates the art in fashion design. So which ever one of you BITTER customers classified it, you probably need to go back and actually pay attention to what your yeping at. It's truely devastating that such a high end boutique offering a FREE styling consultation to you "fashionably challenged" (yeah you know who you are) is getting such poor reviews. American in Paris is a landmark in OLDDD Town Alexandria and has given the Metro Area a very necessary face lift in fashion in which it lacks! One last point to make for the negative folks who cant seem to get past the "Hands off the fabric" rule. How about we all imagine that we actually own a high end retail store whether it be clothing or trinkets or art or whatever your little heart desires. Now lets imagine that you had 50-100 people in your store DAILY touching the ONE OF A KIND pieces with their greasy H1N1 hands every time they passed an item of interest, now multiply that by 30 days of one month alone. (And in this recession, its more like an average of 60-90 days turnover) AND WA LA!! You have a ONE OF A KIND EXPENSIVE ITEM completely ruined because its been and I quote from a previous BITTER yelper "man-handled". Now think about how that affects your bottom line and see how much profit you make with your small one man show boutique. Nuff said. read more

Glad I had a drink before my visit or I probably wouldn't have had the patience to make it through the 'lecture' that's mentioned in every other review. Rules of garment engagement aside, this place has some RIDICULOUS dresses and I mean that in the best way possible. If you're up for parting with $400 or so for a dress you can only wear once because it's so cool everyone will remember it, by all means, shop here. read more